Analysis Of Thoroughly Modern Millie

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Thoroughly Modern Millie is an upbeat musical about a girl with big hopes and dreams in 1920s New York City. The show involves large ensemble dance numbers and fantastic vocal performances. It received rave reviews from the first preview and songs from the show can still be heard at auditions around the world. Thoroughly Modern Millie is truly a show that all ages can enjoy and love.
Originally, Thoroughly Modern Millie was a 1967 movie-musical starring Julie Andrews as the title role. Both the movie and broadway show are done in what is known as a pastiche style. Pastiche is a style that mimics another artist’s work to celebrate it. The show uses new songs as well as previously written songs together which helps the show portray a very jazzy 1920’s feel. The 1920’s setting of the show really contributes to the plotline. In the 1920’s the United States was extremely rich and social barriers were being broken. Women were now more involved in society than they ever were in the past due to their role on the homefront during World War I.
The story follows a small-town Kansas girl named Millie Dillmount who decides to move to New York City in hopes of becoming a success. She is set on achieving her goal and becoming a “modern” which basically is a flapper. Soon after arriving in New York Millie is mugged and while she runs after her aggressor in a panic, she trips Jimmy Smith. Jimmy is an attractive young man who flies by the seat of his pants. He and Millie end up fighting over her plans and she storms off.
Millie then checks into a hotel run by Mrs. Meers who works for a white slavery ring in China. At the hotel, Millie meets the wealthy Miss Dorothy who agrees to room with her to pay rent. Millie begins to look for rich eligib...

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...at wasn’t always going to be the case. Originally Erin Dilly was cast as Millie Dillmount but Sutton was pulled from ensemble to take on the role of Millie. Not only was Thoroughly Modern Millie a Broadway show but it also ran in the West End beginning October 21, 2013 with Amanda Holden as Millie.
Thoroughly Modern Millie won a total of six Tonys including Best Musical and Best Actress in a Musical for Sutton’s performance. From the moment the curtain opened for the first time to the final bow it mesmerized audiences and kept people coming back for more. Its fast-paced, fun storyline and witty nature made it instantly a hit. Not only does it incorporate large ensemble numbers but it also provides small, intimate numbers for the principal characters to really reach the audience emotionally. Thoroughly Modern Millie has definitely made a lasting mark on broadway.

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